Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act

This bill would require the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the Appalachian Regional Commission’s ability to integrate satellite technology into broadband infrastructure projects. The study would specifically analyze the capacity and cost-effectiveness of using satellite broadband services to support business operations and regional economic development.

This bill primarily affects the Government Accountability Office, which is tasked with conducting a study and reporting its findings to Congress. The legislation also impacts the Appalachian Regional Commission by evaluating its capacity to integrate satellite technology into broadband projects. Additionally, the study focuses on the implications for businesses and economic development entities within the Appalachian region that may utilize satellite broadband services.

• Satellite broadband capability study. Requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study and report to Congress on the Appalachian Regional Commission’s ability to integrate satellite technology into broadband projects.
• Economic and technical analysis of satellite service. Directs a review of the capacity and cost-effectiveness of utilizing satellite broadband for business applications and regional economic development.

The bill mandates a study of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s existing capacity to integrate satellite technology into its current broadband and economic development projects.

The bill aims to evaluate the feasibility of using satellite technology to improve internet connectivity within the Appalachian region. It directs a study to determine if satellite broadband is a capable and cost-effective tool for supporting local business operations and regional economic development.